Blinded

Our weather patterns have been so manic lately! One day, the sun shines, the temperature is balmy, the next day, a snow storm ( or what’s lately called polar vortex) takes over the region. Another day, we have found a dense fog that seems to hover for more than just a morning. This dense fog stayed into the evening with scattered areas of fog in the valleys and bright sun in the hilltops.

The other day, as I was driving with a family member. We were struck by the comparison of the weather and our walk with God. It feels as if we are caught in a blind fog of climate and information. We may feel our anxiety raise its ugly head. We may feel short of breath, but we must push through to get to our destination.

Here’s a photo my daughter took for reference:

Driving through a dense fog brings uncertainty as we continue to accelerate to the unknown intersection. The dense fog is not much different than our walk with our God, Yeshua! We must fix our eyes into a future without seeing His physical form. We must trust Him in our steps.

We must have faith in the unknown. There are hazards along the way, our friends and family may express concern for our Jesus freak faith. We may be seen crazy as Noah,who built an ark even though there was no flood yet. We may be ostracized for our willingness to be bold as the Holy Spirit is guiding our words and actions.

John 12:37-41,43-50 NLT
But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. [38] This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: “LORD, who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm?” [39] But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said, [40] “The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts- so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them.” [41] Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory. [43] For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.

Do you want to be caught blinded by the praise of men or the praise of God? Our hardened hearts are a block to our relationship with Jesus.

In John 12, we read further what Jesus said to the crowds. We must choose to follow Him, personally! No one can make this decision for us. Your parents walk with God does not cover you.

John 12: [44] Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. [45] For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. [46] I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. [47] I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. [48] But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. [49] I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. [50] And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”

Yeshua ( Jesus) came to save the world. He wants us to choose Him. Don’t reject His message for love and eternal life. He wants us to choose life over death. Open your heart, Open your eyes, cry out to the only One who can save, He loves you!

John 3:16-17 NLT
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [17] God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?

Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com.

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen.”

What has your heart?

Are you tied up in knots? Do you long for happiness and peace? Is that your end goal… to be happy? It is a fantasy to believe we can get happiness from another person, a circumstance, or words from another. What has your heart? What is your idol?

I know it sounds cynical. I am just sharing what God is revealing to me. Our happiness is emotion, our emotion fluctuates. It is unstable. Did we get enough sleep, did we eat healthy today? Did we spend time with God or just run out the door without giving Him a second thought? If it is not social media, what has your heart? Are we seeking happiness from scrolling on social media? (This is a dead-end coping mechanism that the devil uses to bring discontent.)

B.U.S.Y = Being Under Satans’ Yoke I have heard this anachronym before. It is an obstacle to our time with our Creator Father God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The enemy wants to cause us to stay fixed on social media. When we stay stuck in this cycle, we feel trapped by time and forget what God says in His Scripture.

So untie the knots of social media, the cultural narratives, and the distractions of comparison traps. Social media can be used for good things such as sharing faith in Jesus, along with spreading love and lessons learned. It can be an amazing source to spread the gospel message of grace, mercy, hope, and forgiveness.

Social media can also be a trap of time. How many of us have found ourselves looking at the time we spent scrolling? Next thing you know hours have passed. We feel spent with more negative emotions and unfulfilled.

Doesnt it make more sense to spend time getting the wisdom to guide our steps? Seek the peace and wisdom from God.

Time to change your routine: Here is a solid truth from Psalm 34. Meditate on each scripture. Speak it aloud for 30 days each morning before you get out of bed. Start your day in His truth with His promises. Decide for yourself the trajectory of your mindset for His plans over the World plan. I plan to make a change in 2024 personally. What do you have to lose, challenge yourself with a 30-day fast from social media!

Psalm 34 (MSG)  I bless God every chance I get;

my lungs expand with his praise.



2 I live and breathe God;

if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy:



3 Join me in spreading the news;

together let’s get the word out.



4 God met me more than halfway,

he freed me from my anxious fears.



5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile.

Never hide your feelings from him.



6 When I was desperate, I called out,

and God got me out of a tight spot.



7 God’s angel sets up a circle

of protection around us while we pray.



8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—

    how good God is.

Blessed are you who run to him.



9 Worship God if you want the best;

worship opens doors to all his goodness.



10 Young lions on the prowl get hungry,

but God-seekers are full of God.



11 Come, children, listen closely;

I’ll give you a lesson in God worship.



12 Who out there has a lust for life?

Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty?



13 Guard your tongue from profanity,

and no more lying through your teeth.



14 Turn your back on sin; do something good.

Embrace peace—don’t let it get away!



15 God keeps an eye on his friends,

his ears pick up every moan and groan.



16 God won’t put up with rebels;

he’ll cull them from the pack.



17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,

ready to rescue you.



18 If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there;

if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.



19 Disciples so often get into trouble;

still, God is there every time.



20 He’s your bodyguard, shielding every bone;

not even a finger gets broken.



21 The wicked commit slow suicide;

they waste their lives hating the good.



22 God pays for each slave’s freedom;

no one who runs to him loses out.

Dont be a slave of social constructs, find freedom in fixing your mind with Christ!! Be open to a makeover. Let Him revive your heart! A new year brings new promises for a new life. Worship the Lord with your time, your heart, mind, and soul. You will be rewarded with more peace beyond understanding.

Proverbs 3 (MSG) ^1-2Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
a long life lived full and well.

^3-4Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.

^5-12Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.

Be His vessel!!

We are like this china cup! We are fragile, we are broken by life but the gold glittered glue that can hold us together is our Creator God! He wants to use the cracks to draw us closer to Him so He can put the pieces together. Our refining is our testimony of His plans and purposes. Run to Him for the help and wisdom.

Make us a vessel for Your Kingdoms purpose, Father, Son, Holy Spirit! Pray to Him before you get out of bed. Father God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, mold me and make me more like You. Orchestrate my words, my steps and actions. Bring Your power, might , wisdom, and truth. in Jesus Name, Amen!

Psalm 40:1-3 AMP
I waited patiently and expectantly for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. [2] He brought me up out of a horrible pit [of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock, steadying my footsteps and establishing my path. [3] He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear [with great reverence] And will trust confidently in the LORD.

Submit to His transforming power, be transformed into what He already knows you are called to be.

Hebrews 4:8-16 MSG
And so this is still a live promise. It wasn’t canceled at the time of Joshua; otherwise, God wouldn’t keep renewing the appointment for “today.” The promise of “arrival” and “rest” is still there for God’s people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we’ll surely rest with God. So let’s keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience. [12-13] God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one can resist God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what. [14-16] Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

New Wine- Hillsong worship

He has great plans. Take the mercy, accept the help from the One who knows you best! Take the free gift of new life, be a new wine skin, filled to overflow by His anointing in the Holy Spirit. Be His vessel!

Where is your focus?

There is so many distractions meant to make us feel fear, despair, discouragement and anxiety. The foundations of our life are shaking. There’s flashing lights in one direction. There’s darkness in the world, there’s chaos in leadership, there’s even attempts to cause fear over logic.

We have been given a sound mind, we must use it for truth!

Our eyes see an uncertain world, our bodies feel an unknown shaking, our feet feel the ground move. It’s kind of like feeling the ground shake, and not knowing where the earthquake comes from. Our uncertain feeling brings heartache and we feel ourselves distract from our focus on God to focus on circumstance.

I suppose it’s no different than having a teenager get a drivers license or even before that happens, passing a permit test and teaching your teen how to safely drive in a road full of cars. The potential problems of road rage, distracted driving of others, or your teen are possible. The use of alcohol or marijuana or any other drug is a hazard that we pray does not affect our family.

The Bible reminds us through scripture to fix our eyes on him and his plans and promises.

Proverbs 4:20-26 NLT
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. [21] Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, [22] for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. [23] Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. [24] Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. [25] Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. [26] Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.

So where is your focus? Is it on the circumstance, the future of the world, the chaos in relationships?

Philippians 4:8-9 NLT
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. [9] Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

The only way we can have a peace that surpasses all understanding is trusting in the God who knows the future. Despite the flashing lights, despite media, despite the anxieties and fears of the world, despite the darkness: He is the Alpha and Omega! He is the beginning and the end. He is el Shaddai, He is Elohim! His Word is life not death and darkness. His word is hope despite what we see.

So when the ground is shaking, your mind is overwhelmed, hold onto Scripture truths to meditate on bring peace:

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Isaiah 40:28-31 AMP
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become tired or grow weary; There is no searching of His understanding. [29] He gives strength to the weary, And to him who has no might He increases power. [30] Even youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, [31] But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 AMP
For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [12] Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you. [13] Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Our endurance can be built on our faith in God. One of my first memorized scriptures is from Romans. Let your endurance be built in the same way. Focus on the Lord!

Anne Wilson’s song, “Strong” is an anthem of faith and trust in God despite circumstances. Let it be a great melody of your faith in Him.

Strong

We are dust!

Created from the dust, Adam was created by our Creator God! We are his descendents, we are dust! Just as the Lord breathed His breath of life into Adam, The same Creator God breathes life into us.

Deep breath! Go ahead take another deep breath! Breathe deep and slow to 4 counts! Now slowly release that loving lung filled oxygen, to a count of 7. Clear out the crud you may have been fighting to clear ( just like me this month), deep breathe and clear out the clogged bronchioles.

Awe, feel the awe of a cleared mind by a cleared lung. We have work to do. He knows how weak we are, He breathes His strength to heal.

Psalm 103:13-19 NLT
[13] The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. [14] For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. [15] Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. [16] The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here.

The wind blows, our days on earth are unknown. What are you doing with your time?

17] But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children [18] of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! [19] The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.

He made the heavens and the earth! He made all things. He is faithful to His children. He is faithful to those who obey His commands. His love extends to those who fear Him, in reverence and awe.

Fear of God by Brooke Ligertwood. What a powerful anthem of the praise and power when we have the fear of God!

Fear of God

Brooke sings, “Lift up your voice if God has called you to, He will give you supernatural power to do the work He calls you to do”. The Word of God supports this promise from our Creator God.

Psalm 103:8-22 NLT
The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [9] He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. [10] He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. [11] For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. [12] He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. [13] The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. [14] For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. [15] Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. [16] The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here. [17] But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children [18] of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! [19] The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. [20] Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. [21] Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! [22] Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.

He knows we are weak, He gives love unconditionally, let me say it again, His love remains forever with those who fear Him (respect and honor)! Praise Him alone!

2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT
[5] You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. [6] For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

2 Corinthians 4 reminds us, we are fragile clay jars but contain a great treasure. Our great power comes from God! Plug into the source of all Light and illuminate His power as you walk in His ways!

Anointing

Anointing oil was used in the beginning of the Bible in Exodus and it is relevant for us today! We were shown an example of the calling into the Kingdom of God with Moses and Aaron.

Exodus 29: 1 -9 Moses consecrated Aaron and his sons, to serve God as priests, and as a result in that particular scripture, anointing oil was poured over Aarons’ head to anoint him so he could bring Godly wisdom to the people.

As moms, dads, sisters, and brothers, we are called to seek wisdom from God, first, and to share it with our children. In connection with the Old Testament use of anointing oil, we use anointing oil because we are set apart; our homes and our children affect generations.

As believers under the new covenant, we are Holy by faith and the Holy Spirit working in us. The anointing oil is a New Testament mystery. We use it by faith because the apostles used it and we follow their example as Christ’s followers!

Isn’t it amazing to think God gives us the tools, the weapons of warfare so that we can guide our children and our families? We have many tools at our disposal: accepting Him as Lord and Savior, seeking the Holy Spirit, believing He is the wisdom giver including his gifts in words and tongues, prayer and intercession with Him, praise for His goodness, quality time in His Word, fasting, fellowship, and accountability with fellow believers, and anointing oil is essential to our healing.

Psalm 133:1-3 (msg) “How wonderful, how beautiful and brothers and sisters get along. It’s costly anointing oil flowing down his head and beard flowing down Aaron’s beard flowing down the collar of the priestly robes just like the dew on Mount Herman. This is where God commands the blessing, and ordains eternal life”.

1 Samuel 16:1 -13 (msg) (paraphrase)shares how Samuel was called to find a new king, and how God directed Samuel to fill his flask with anointing oil and sent him to Jesse of Bethlehem. Samuel was afraid because he was afraid of Saul. the current king would kill him and yet Samuel listened to God. Samuel followed God‘s directions, and ultimately this him to Jesse’s sons. None of the sons were considered by God to be worthy of being anointed to be the next King. Even Samuel was surprised as he went through each one of the sons, all seven, and Samuel was blunt with Jesse, and said, “Where is your other son”, then Jesse said in verse 12 “My last son the runt is tending sheep” and that was David so in verse 13 Samuel took the flask of oil, anointed David with his brothers standing around watching, and the Spirit of God entered David like a rushing wind and God vitally empowered David for the rest of his life.

So why do we use anointing oil as a spiritual weapon?

Mark 6:13 (KJV) “And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them”.
Isaiah 10:27(KJV) “It will come to pass, and that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck of the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil”.
James 5:14 (KJV) says “Anyone sick among you let him call the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing with oil in the name of the Lord.”

How do we use anointing oil? I use essential oil, but you can use olive oil. Frankincense is my favorite as the home smells of the essence of Jesus ( it was at His birth and death)! Carry your Bible and declare these scriptures included in this discussion as needed. You do not battle alone He strengthens you!

Read Psalm 91 anointing your home windows and doors.

Psalm 91:1-16 NLT
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. [3] For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly diseases. [4] He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. [5] Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. [6] Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. [7] Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. [8] Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. [9] If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, [10] no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. [11] For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. [12] They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. [13] You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! [14] The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. [15] When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. [16] I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Pray God’s blessing on all who live in your home and enter it.

Anoint yourself and your family: Pray God’s provision and goodness with gratitude.

Matthew 11:28-30 ( at the neck base of the skull), anoint pillows (the visual for a yoke is an oxen attached to another to provide direction in the fields and plow for a harvest) Jesus wants us to submit or yoke ourselves to Him!

Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Deuteronomy 28:1,3-6 NLT
“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the world’s nations. [3] Your towns and your fields will be blessed. [4] Your children and your crops will be blessed. The offspring of your herds and flocks will be blessed. [5] Your fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed. [6] Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.

Psalm 84:11 NLT
For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Psalm 4:8 NLT
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

Mark 12:29-30 NLT
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. [30] And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’

Use the spiritual weapons given to us by God, Ephesians 6, and live in spiritual, emotional, and physical health by the blood of Jesus despite life circumstances!

3 John 1:2 NLT
Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.

Weary

Surprise, life can make you weary? Things can seem upbeat and positive one moment, calm periods of blissful peace and then just as an ocean has swirls, huge waves like a tsunami return, so reflective of our lives. As the tide turns, so does our life circumstances.

I used to think challenges were a punishment because I failed to achieve perfection by some anonymous standard. However, the more I ponder life I see opportunity to ask God, “what are you trying to teach me? Open my eyes to what I need to see in relationships, in myself that needs adjustment, or how can I grow deeper with You, Lord?”

The challenges can cause weariness and lead us to despair unless we share the burdens with our Savior Jesus.

Did you know even the most known men and women in the Bible have had times of weariness? So when you feel weary and exhausted by the daily circumstances, rejoice, you are in present company with the family of faith. Press on with God!

Moses had many times of feeling overwhelmed, in Exodus 17, he needed extra support from his relationship with God and his friends to lead the Israelites from Egypt. Jonathon, the best friend of David became weary watching his father Saul plan to kill David multiple times. David became weary being chased knowing Saul wanted him dead. Job was weary after multiple despairs in health, family deaths, loss of his status, and more.

Scriptures that remind us to find strength in God:

Jesus felt the weariness of His disciples and He gave a call for their weariness. Matthew 11 is a great reminder to seek Him.

David wrote many psalms describing his weariness and yet gratitude for Gods’ faithfulness.

Psalm 63:1-5 NLT
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. [2] I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. [3] Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! [4] I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. [5] You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.

Psalm 119:27-32 NLT
Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. [28] I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. [29] Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. [30] I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. [31] I cling to your laws. LORD, don’t let me be put to shame! [32] I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.

Isaiah carried the burden of prophet to people who refused to listen to the Lords instructions. He was shunned, he was laughed at yet he still spoke the truth of God. One of my favorite scriptures to post in my home is Isaiah 40:28-31.

Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. [29] He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. [30] Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. [31] But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

We can grow weary moment to moment. We can spin our anxiety into a spider web of knots that entangle our minds and souls or we can meditate on His Word. His Word can illuminate the truth that mattered in the old examples of faith in the Bible. His truth still matters today.

Galatians 6:9-10 NLT
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. [10] Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith.

Don’t give up, instead, dig into the Word of God, the Bible! It is just the right wisdom for a new year and new life. May 2024 bring you more insight, more peace and hope despite the distractions in life. Stay the course with God! He didn’t leave or forsake His people in the past nor will He leave you in the future.

Ride the waves of life with the Creator of life!

Hope at Christmas

Take a deep breath. Take a deep breath to the count of four. Exhale to the count of 4 to 6. Feel your body calming down and your mind clearing. I’ll take another deep breath and do the same in and out. Breathe in and out.

We can find the peace that surpasses all human understanding, and gain a clear mind, when we remember the one, Our Creator God, who gives us breath.

Our next step to find hope comes when we stop and give thanksgiving to the same God who has plans for our lives. speak aloud your gratitude for who you are.

Psalm 103:1-6,8,15-22 NLT
Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. [2] Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. [3] He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. [4] He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. [5] He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! [6] The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. [8] The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [15] Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. [16] The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here. [17] But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children [18] of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! [19] The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. [20] Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. [21] Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! [22] Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.

As we get closer to the celebration of Jesus Christ’s’ birth, we are given a yearly opportunity to meditate on the goodness of our God! When He created the heavens and earth, He had unconditional love and a plan for His children.

He created Adam from the dust, and Eve, from Adam’s’ rib as his helper (Hebrew word, is Eber!) Even though Adam ( the first Son) and Eve, his partner, sinned in the Garden of Eden, God did not give up on His relationship with His children.

God still had plans to guide our lives and watch over us! He holds the whole world in His hands. Hope in Jesus not the symbols of religion, it’s about a relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Psalm 32:8 NLT
The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

The hope of the world is Jesus Christ! Jesus is the bridge to our relationship with God! He came as a baby ( half man and half God). He was born of the Virgin Mary who humbled herself to be used by God.

Matthew 1:18-19 NLT
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. [19] Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

Joseph, her soon to be husband had a visit from an angel as well. The Holy Spirit shared the amazing miracle to come.

Matthew 1:20-21 NLT
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. [21] And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

The Lord God used simple people to achieve His plans. They submitted to His plans and we, His children have benefitted for generations.

Matthew 1:22-23 NLT
All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: [23] “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'”

He came to bring us new life, as a baby, born in a manger. He came for poor and rich, for all nations, tribes and tongues. He came for you and me!

The nativity shows a small microcosm of Gods’ children. The host of angels singing praise and Glory to the Lord. This snapshot of peace, love, grace and Gods’ provision isn’t for small children but for all Gods’ children; young and old.

Luke 2:13-14 GNT
Suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: [14] “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”

So this Christmas, take the time to thank your Heavenly Father for not giving up on His children. Thank Him for the hope found when you accept the free gift of love, grace and mercy, that came as a baby.

He is the Savior of the world! We need to extend our hearts, minds, and hands and openhanded accept Him!

John 12:46 AMP
I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in Me [as Savior—all those who anchor their hope in Me and rely on the truth of My message] will not continue to live in darkness.

Peace Be still

Storms will rage, but Jesus calms the storm. We must believe He can. His ways are not our ways! Don’t look to the left or right, listen for the truth in the Word of God!

Luke 8: 22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. 23 As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. 25 Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

We can go through hardship and feel at our breaking point. We can feel the restless sea under our feet. Our eyes can’t see the future but we have to step out in faith and trust the One who existed from the beginning and will live in eternity. Faith will rise up in us when we believe He can calm the storms.

“Peace, Be Still” by the Belonging (featuring Lauren Daigle) shares the importance of stepping out in faith and trusting God!

Breaking free of toxic environments and people can give us a chance to start again. Freedom is within our grasp, reach out to Jesus! Whether you are a parent, friend, or family member, watching those you love in stormy times can be heartbreaking. We must cast all our cares on Him for He cares for you and your loved one.

1 Peter 5: 5 -11 5b“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”⁶So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. ⁷Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.⁸Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ⁹Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers^[b] all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.¹⁰In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. ¹¹All power to him forever! Amen.

Ask for Him to show you the path. Let the waves wash away the gritty sand and set your feet on the Rock! His foundation stands firm.

Sheep need a Shepherd!

Sheep are amazing creatures! They are cuddly cute as a lamb. They are sturdy in structure, they provide wool to bring warmth on a winters day. They follow other sheep blindly at times seeking a safe well fed environment.

However, sheep are also stubborn, don’t seek the easiest path, follow the leader, even if a fellow sheep goes near a cliff. They need a good shepherd to guide them. They need a poke by the shepherds staff to redirect their steps. They can run in fear and get lost.

Humans are no different! We are stubborn, don’t seek the best path, can be led to foolishness, in fear, we can take a cliff dive without meaning too.

John 10:1-16 NLT
“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! [2] But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. [3] The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. [5] They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” [6] Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, [7] so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. [8] All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. [9] Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. [10] The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

The Lord is a Good Shepherd! Do not be afraid, He is our God! He wants you to lean into Him above all the noise! He is Almighty God!

He is the maker of heaven and earth ! The earth is His footstool! He wants all His children to come to Him and be saved!

Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

He gives His children multiple chances to seek His face. He is the Ancient of Days! He is the Alpha and Omega!!

Ancient Gates is a powerful song by Brooke Ligertwood. The lyrics speak of His greatness!

Ancient Gates by Brooke Ligertwood

My pastor shared this week about this concept, He is our Shepherd, He wants us to enter His gates so we can be safe with Him. Yes, our Shepherd may need to discipline our stupidity and foolish impulsive choices. However, our Shepherd loves us and sees His children.

John 10:11-16 [11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. [12] A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. [13] The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. [14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, [15] just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. [16] I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

Despite the multiple distractions the world or others bring, praise Him in the hills and valleys. Praise for Him pushes back the darkness!!! Enter His gate and be changed for His plans. So run to Him, He is ready with open arms to lead His sheep ( He is a good, good Shepherd)!